Stephan Wagner is Professor for Environmental Analysis at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Fresenius) (Leipzig, Germany). Within SSbD4CheM, he is leading the work package on analytical methods for visualisation, characterisation, analysis and identification of particles and organic compounds in the materials and products of the project.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your area of expertise?

Stephan Wagner: By training I am an environmental scientist with a focus on environmental analytics. Over the last ten years my research portfolio has expanded from environmental analysis to food, materials and consumer product analysis. My team and I develop new analytical approaches and apply them to the development of new technologies and risk assessment. We work with organic and inorganic mass spectrometry techniques. I like this area because we work very close to the application and it allows a high degree of innovation.

How does your specific work package “Analytical methods for tailored requests” contribute to the project?

SW: Our work package is designed to support the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approach for the three case studies in the project by providing new and fit-for-purpose analytical tools. We aim to develop innovative analytical tools for imaging, nano- and microparticle characterisation, volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis and identification of unknown organic compounds in the materials and products of the project case studies. In this work package, analytical research and industrial application are very closely linked. We drive analytical innovation by considering the analytical needs of the industry in our work package.

For example, we are developing and implementing mass spectrometry-based analytical detection techniques for VOCs and applying them directly to characterise VOC emissions from vehicle interiors using state-of-the-art emission test chambers. These tests provide exposure concentration data that will be used for safety assessment of the new materials in car interiors.

What is the most exciting thing about the activities in your work package?

SW: We have been involved in many European and national projects where new analytical approaches have been developed. In SSbD4CheM, we want to not only develop and optimise new analytical approaches, but also apply them to the SSbD framework. Therefore, our partners are from research institutions and industry, which makes the work very exciting. For the next project period, we will also investigate the potential for harmonising our newly developed methods, which would make them applicable beyond the project.

Ivana Burzic is Project Leader at Wood K plus, a research organisation in the field of wood and wood-related renewable resources in Linz, Austria. Within SSbD4CheM, she leads the work package dealing with the development and validation of novel materials for the three case studies, with fulfilled sustainability and safety aspects.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your area of expertise?

Ivana Burzic: I have many years of experience in researching thermoplastic-based materials/formulation development and their application to various polymer processing technologies. I hold a position at Wood K plus R&D Center (Austria) as International Project Manager in the Bio-based Composites and Processes (BCP) team. Previously, I studied Organic Chemistry and Polymer Engineering from the University of Belgrade (Serbia), and I’m interested in sustainable and circular materials for different application areas. Before joining Wood K plus, I spent 3 years at the Johannes Kepler University (Austria) at Institute of Polymer Extrusion and Compounding, where I worked closely with students as a research associate. During this time, I enjoyed teaching students about plastic welding. I really love teaching young people, especially children, how we can change the future by having good habits and acting responsibly.

How does your specific work package “SSbD driven R&D of novel materials and Demonstration of Industrial Assay” contribute to the project?

IB: The WP7 work package of the SSbD4CheM project plays an important role as it develops novel renewable composites with optimised Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) emissions and odour for automotive applications, PFAS-free coatings for textile applications and investigates different types of nanocellulose as a sustainable additive in cosmetics in the light of the implementation of the SSbD framework. In order to fully exploit the potential benefits that innovative SSbD4CheM materials can offer, it is essential to prioritise safety aspects in conjunction with sustainability considerations. Therefore, by applying different steps of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Framework considering different SSbD4CheM use cases, the WP7 work package will work closely with partners from other WPs to integrate functionality/innovation with safety and sustainability considerations as early as possible in the innovation process at TRL3/4 (R&D development process), thus saving costs towards their market introduction.

What is the most exciting thing about the activities in your work package?

IB: Collaboration with international teams as well as close collaboration with industrial partners (representatives of Stellantis Group, AHAVA and KORTEKS) to address different, sometimes complex issues related to the different use case requirements.

On March 13, 2025, Wood K plus took part in the  KC Fachtagung [Conference on Materials] – Focus on Fiber Composites held in Linz, Austria. The event, organized by the Upper Austrian cross-sectional network of the industrial plastics sector (Business Upper Austria), brought together approximately 40 industry stakeholders to discuss the latest developments and applications of fiber-reinforced plastics.

This year’s conference explored a wide spectrum of materials and their forward-looking applications, ranging from mobility and construction to other sectors where fiber-reinforced composites are essential. Key topics included recyclability, design for recycling, and the integration of recycled and bio-based raw materials. Experts from both industry and research institutions presented new insights and visions aimed at driving sustainable and innovative use of fiber-reinforced composites in relevant sectors.

Our colleague Dr. Claudia Pretschuh from Wood K plus contributed to the conference with an oral presentation on “Developments in the Area of Fiber-Based Composites by Using Natural Fibers”. The presentation highlighted key developments from the automotive case study of the SSbD4CheM project, which specifically targets the development of composites reinforced with natural fibers, cellulose fibers, and wood particles for use in automotive interior applications, and focuses on the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles.

Dr. Pretschuh outlined the SSbD approach followed by the project, emphasizing several steps such as:

• Step 3 – Safety aspects: Addressing safety aspects related to the use phase, with a particular focus on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from automotive interior materials.
• Step 4 – Sustainability aspects: The sustainability dimension is taken into account through a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, in collaboration with the University of Leiden, also partner in the project.

Additionally, foam injection molding was presented as a potential solution for creating ultra-lightweight thermoplastic compounds. 

The event provided an excellent platform for networking and exchanging perspectives. Following the presentation, Wood K plus engaged in discussions with Magna Powertrain regarding the potential of natural fiber-based composites. Magna expressed interest in further material testing, simulations, and results from ongoing LCA studies. Additionally, future discussions are planned with Borealis to explore material applications and LCA aspects further.

Participation in this conference underscores Wood K plus’s commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions in the automotive sector and beyond.